Antonio, Manning Testify on Bill to Raise Stroke Awareness

This week, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and state Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) provided sponsor testimony for Senate Bill 20, which designates the first week of May as “Ohio Stroke Awareness Week.”

“Suffering a stroke is a health concern that can happen to anyone, but spreading awareness and knowing the signs of stroke can save lives,” said Antonio. “Unfortunately, I am one of the thousands of Ohioans who has had a loved one affected by stroke. This legislation will help educate Ohioans about the signals of an oncoming stroke, as well as helpful ways to prevent a future stroke.”

“Designating the first week of May as Stroke Awareness Week and the ensuing activities around it will inform people that strokes, TIAs, hemorrhagic or ischemic, can happen to anyone at any time,” said Manning. “Raising public awareness is crucial in educating people on symptoms of stroke that might lead to earlier detections and better health outcomes for patients.”

Senate Bill 20 aims to educate Ohioans about the importance of noticing the signs of a stroke and lead to better health outcomes. This follows the passage of Senate Bill 21, introduced by Leader Antonio and Senator Manning in the 134th General Assembly, to require the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services to develop statewide guidelines for the assessment, triage, and transport to hospitals of stroke patients.